V'Ann Desch

V'Ann Stotts Desch, 86, of Topeka, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025.

V’Ann was born January 1, 1939, in Roswell, New Mexico, the daughter of James Paul and Helen (Campbell) Stotts. She was a graduate of Cotton Wood Falls, High School in Kansas and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washburn University in Topeka.

V’Ann worked for the Xerox Corporation in Topeka, then Sallie Mae in Lawrence.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Association of University Women, and the American Contract Bridge Association, of which she was a Bronze Life Master. When she wasn’t playing bridge or duplicate, she enjoyed finding treasures at flea markets, antique malls, and thrift stores. She also enjoyed the weekends at their Cassoday lake home with friends and family. Enjoying a good late-night fish fry, and card games like Kings on the Corner and Hand & Foot.

V'Ann married Francis "Frank" Desch on January 27,1969, in Colorado. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2017. Survivors include three daughters, Audri S. (Gene) Mayes of Burlington, KS; Darci K. (David) Holliday of Plano, TX; and Darrea C. (John) Gill of Topeka. She has six grandchildren, Paige (Kent) Medlock and Maree Ritter (Patrick Terry), Hannah Holliday, Baeh Gill, Brooke Gill, and Luke Gill; and four great-grandchildren, Chloe Medlock, Mackenzie Medlock, Harper Medlock, and Maya Holding. One niece, Allegra Carpenter of Albuquerque NM. One Great Neice Bronwyn Towle and one Great Nephew Finian Towle. Three Great Nieces, Morgan Carpenter King, Madeline Carpenter King, and Mikaela Carpenter King.

She was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Paul Stotts; her sister Teri Carpenter and brother in law Ray Carpenter of Albuquerque NM.

V'Ann enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hosting dinner bridge, traveling to France and Spain, attending Sunday School, and volunteering at the church. She enjoyed going to the theater to see plays, musicals, and movies. She enjoyed reading books and learning something new. Her latest adventure was learning to play Mah-jongg. She also enjoyed hosting tea parties and using her grandmother’s beautiful rose dishes.

Honoring her request, cremation is planned. A celebration of her life will be at the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, KS 66611 on Tuesday May 13, 2025, at 11:00am

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave. Topeka, KS 66611-1811 or to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604.

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